<p>As I travel by metro these days, I’m often touched by the kindness of strangers. A young girl will stand up and say, “Aunty, please sit here,” or a young man will gesture to a vacant seat beside him, saying “Ajji, illi banni, koothkoli” (Grandma, come here and sit). These acts of courtesy make me feel appreciated and valued. Very rarely do some people avoid looking at me for fear of losing their seat or feeling guilty for refusing to let me sit as I struggle to balance and stand straight.</p>.<p class="bodytext">However, I’m also reminded of the times when I offered my seat to senior citizens, pregnant women, or mothers with infants while commuting to work by BTS and later BMTC buses. Though I’d like to decline the offer and say, “<span class="italic">Parvaagilla</span>. I can manage,” my body often betrays me, and I gratefully accept the seat, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt.</p>.<p class="bodytext">We have all heard the refrains: age is just a number; it’s all in your mind; and you can feel young at any age. Although very inspiring to read, these affirmations are difficult to live by. Sometimes, there are things over which we have no control, however much we try. It is intimidating to see super senior citizens who do undertake unthinkable feats such as run marathons, climb mountains, trek miles together, travel continuously, paint, make sculptures, conduct courses, pursue studies and so many other things – and succeed. Shouldn’t they be inspiring us? I don’t know. Actresses Vyjayanthi Mala, Hema Malini, Rekha and Helen continue to enthral audiences with their graceful dances in their late seventies, eighties and nineties! God bless them. While mentally I want to be like these blessed beings, physically I am unable to match their energy levels. <br />Even as my mind drives me to do so many things, my aches and pains hold me back.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To shake off the feeling of decline, I attended Ram Navami events at my school in Secunderabad, where I reconnected with classmates. For three days, we relived our teenage years, sharing laughter and positive memories. It was a rejuvenating experience that helped us face our daily challenges with renewed enthusiasm.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind being called <span class="italic">ajji</span>, but what puts me off is that I have started looking and feeling like an <span class="italic">ajji</span>, who needs to be shown extra care and compassion. It is a reminder of my advancing age and the times to come.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Though I don’t try to hide my age or pretend to be younger, I do want to stay fit and strong so I can continue to help others. It is a universal desire that I share with many.</p>
<p>As I travel by metro these days, I’m often touched by the kindness of strangers. A young girl will stand up and say, “Aunty, please sit here,” or a young man will gesture to a vacant seat beside him, saying “Ajji, illi banni, koothkoli” (Grandma, come here and sit). These acts of courtesy make me feel appreciated and valued. Very rarely do some people avoid looking at me for fear of losing their seat or feeling guilty for refusing to let me sit as I struggle to balance and stand straight.</p>.<p class="bodytext">However, I’m also reminded of the times when I offered my seat to senior citizens, pregnant women, or mothers with infants while commuting to work by BTS and later BMTC buses. Though I’d like to decline the offer and say, “<span class="italic">Parvaagilla</span>. I can manage,” my body often betrays me, and I gratefully accept the seat, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt.</p>.<p class="bodytext">We have all heard the refrains: age is just a number; it’s all in your mind; and you can feel young at any age. Although very inspiring to read, these affirmations are difficult to live by. Sometimes, there are things over which we have no control, however much we try. It is intimidating to see super senior citizens who do undertake unthinkable feats such as run marathons, climb mountains, trek miles together, travel continuously, paint, make sculptures, conduct courses, pursue studies and so many other things – and succeed. Shouldn’t they be inspiring us? I don’t know. Actresses Vyjayanthi Mala, Hema Malini, Rekha and Helen continue to enthral audiences with their graceful dances in their late seventies, eighties and nineties! God bless them. While mentally I want to be like these blessed beings, physically I am unable to match their energy levels. <br />Even as my mind drives me to do so many things, my aches and pains hold me back.</p>.<p class="bodytext">To shake off the feeling of decline, I attended Ram Navami events at my school in Secunderabad, where I reconnected with classmates. For three days, we relived our teenage years, sharing laughter and positive memories. It was a rejuvenating experience that helped us face our daily challenges with renewed enthusiasm.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind being called <span class="italic">ajji</span>, but what puts me off is that I have started looking and feeling like an <span class="italic">ajji</span>, who needs to be shown extra care and compassion. It is a reminder of my advancing age and the times to come.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Though I don’t try to hide my age or pretend to be younger, I do want to stay fit and strong so I can continue to help others. It is a universal desire that I share with many.</p>
